Scientism

Pronunciation: /ˈsaɪənˌtɪzəm/

Definitions of scientism

noun excessive belief in the power of scientific knowledge and techniques

Example Sentences

A1 Scientism is the belief that science is the only way to gain knowledge.

A2 Some people criticize scientism for dismissing other forms of knowledge.

B1 Scientism can lead to a narrow view of the world, ignoring the value of other disciplines.

B2 Critics argue that scientism can be reductionist, oversimplifying complex issues.

C1 The debate over scientism is ongoing in academic circles, with scholars discussing its implications.

C2 Philosophers have written extensively about scientism, examining its philosophical underpinnings.

Examples of scientism in a Sentence

formal The philosopher criticized the reliance on scientism in the field of ethics.

informal Some people think scientism is just using science to explain everything.

slang Don't be so caught up in scientism, there are other ways of looking at the world.

figurative His belief in scientism was like wearing blinders to other forms of knowledge.

Grammatical Forms of scientism

• past tense: scientismed
• plural: scientisms
• comparative: more scientism
• superlative: most scientism
• present tense: scientism
• future tense: will scientism
• perfect tense: have scientismed
• continuous tense: is scientisming
• singular: scientism
• positive degree: scientism
• infinitive: to scientism
• gerund: scientisming
• participle: scientismed

Origin and Evolution of scientism

First Known Use: 1870 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'scientism' originated in the late 19th century as a pejorative term used to describe an excessive belief in the power of scientific knowledge and methods.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'scientism' has come to be used more neutrally to refer to the belief that the methods of natural science, or the categories and things recognized in natural science, form the only proper elements in any philosophical or other inquiry.